Warriors face contract impasse with Kuminga as Kings eye potential sign-and-trade
The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a prolonged standoff with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga as the start of training camp looms. Despite their efforts to extend a new deal, the path forward remains unclear.
Negotiations stall over contract terms
Reports indicate that the Warriors have tabled a two-year, $45 million offer to the promising 22-year-old forward. However, this proposal comes with a team option for the second year, a stipulation that Kuminga seems hesitant to accept. Instead, he may opt for the $7.9 million qualifying offer, which would allow him to play out the season while retaining the ability to explore free agency in the following year.
As both sides grapple with the implications of the contract, a sign-and-trade scenario could provide a viable alternative for the Warriors. This would hinge on their willingness to adjust their offer, potentially including a player option instead of a team option to make the deal more attractive to Kuminga.
Kings maintain interest in Kuminga
The Sacramento Kings have been vocal about their interest in Kuminga, eyeing a sign-and-trade arrangement that could benefit both parties. Although discussions have yet to yield concrete results, Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports suggests that the Kings could still pursue the young talent.
“There have been reports that Sacramento made a contract offer to Kuminga, but they couldn’t meet Golden State’s high asking price for a sign-and-trade,” Holloway noted. “Nonetheless, if the Warriors are willing to lower their expectations, the Kings could find themselves in an advantageous position to finalize a deal.”
As the offseason progresses, the Warriors have yet to make significant additions to their roster, which may prompt them to reconsider their original demands for Kuminga. Should this happen, the Kings could seize the opportunity to bring the talented forward into their fold.
Looking ahead
With training camp approaching, the clock is ticking for both Kuminga and the Warriors. The possibility of him accepting the qualifying offer remains on the table, but the allure of a potential sign-and-trade deal with the Kings could reshape his trajectory. As negotiations continue to unfold, all eyes will be on how this situation develops and whether a resolution is on the horizon.
